If you were invited to a black tie wedding...

[IHaveAGreyLamp]

My sister is (hopefully) getting married in September next year and they have decided the wedding will be black tie. The venue is a small country olde worldy hotel- think dark wood paneling, chandeliers, big open fireplaces etc

Easy enough for a bloke to do black tie but what about the ladies? What would a ‘black tie’ dress look like to you for your sister’s wedding? I’ve seen some gorgeous dresses but how much is too much?

N.B- no bridesmaids or anything like that, my sister is keeping it really small and intimate so I can choose whatever I want to wear which is great

If you are going to spend that much, I’d buy something you will definitely be able to wear lots again; I suspect that means cocktail length in practice.

The Papell gowns seem quite mumsy and ageing to me. The red one is tons better

Don’t wear long because of some of the social norm , wear long because it looks good on you. Otherwise it’s the fabric to differentiate the whole thing

The ref one, 100%!

Ref??? Red of course!

Why not just a black tie if that's what the bride wants?

You'll need one of those old fashioned 'kipper types' as they are much wider at the bottom and providing you tie it so the wide bit is very long and the other end is very short you will preserve some modesty.

(N.B. Don't flail about when dancing.)

The last 2 you linked look a bit heapy around the middle. The first and second were nice, the one shoulder no, the red is gorgeous.

Either red or purple metallic one shoulder! Love them both.

Another vote for the red . I think from what you've said about what colours suit you, that would be the best one. I also quite like the nude coloured JL ones, but if that isn't your colour, then no. I think I prefer the red one anyway.

I had a black tie wedding and women wore long and short.

I have this which dresses up much more than in the photo www.johnlewis.com/monsoon-caitlyn-velvet-dress-green/p4829724?size=12&sku=238449506&s_ppc=2dx92700057786868763&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnb79BRDgARIsAOVbhRr5bC8uIltyww_Nk678bRB8vZyFQ3FGreXX00V-vtEYblOU1XHjnQkaAtJbEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
I've worn it for a posh work night out and to a Michelin starred restaurant so might be worth a look. Not keen on the rose gold dresses they look nude

I love your taste in dresses and only wish I had an upcoming occasion to buy one of them for!

LBD

Cocktail dress, poss with sequins. I agree I understood white tie to be long dress.

The red or the rose gold options are fab.

The red one, or the belted navy, get my vote.

Another vote for the red one!

Apparently it's a bit 'nouveau riche' to assume that Black Tie means long dress! White tie is long 'evening gown', black tie can be long dress but should really be cocktail dress.

Or so I am told

However, as its your sister, why don't you just ask her?

I don't usually venture an opinion on this kind of thing but: The red one!

I have to say I am super jealous of you having such a lovely event to plan for and look forward to!

If you have a pale complexion I’d stay away from the 2nd and 3rd dress as they will make you look washed out. The first dress or the red one would be my pick.

The red one. A couple of the others a lovely but more for my age (old)

I think the red ones. The other ones are more evening dress than black tie.

How about this? www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/women/clothing/dresses/burgundy-velvet-maxi-dress/p/30035958?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=OrganicShopping&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&utm_term=3003595800199&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnb79BRDgARIsAOVbhRoRfBB1gaNw7q4HZG4TSN-RSjVuMObZm7fwlGtiZOKwsTeAoZG2C4EaAkIbEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Or this? www.monsoon.co.uk/rafaella-embellished-corset-dress-green-95189107.html

Black tie = long

The red one is the best. The others are quite middle aged I think.